Repurposed Dish Antenna Captures Wi-Fi and Cell Phone Signals

Step 3 Taking it Further

If for some reason (like you live in the mountains) and you need to mount the antenna booster outside to get a signal, it would be a simple matter to weather proof the cell phone with a plastic sandwich container. You could still use a bluetooth headset to receive your calls.

Also, I found that this setup works even better with Wi-Fi. Just use one of those little USB WiFi antennas with a USB extension cord. Place the USB antenna in front of the horn like I did with the cell phone, tweek the position, and then mount it using duct tape and some plastic to weatherproof it. Again I went from no signal to a usable signal.

Hopefully someone else can benefit from this instructable as I have. Best of luck with all of your projects.

Biochemtronics

Comments

[thatfamousguy]

so do you have to stand next to it every time you make a call?

[biochemtronics]

With a Bluetooth headeset I don't have to stand next to it. I am the first to admit that this is not the most convient device in the world but in my case it saves me having to drive a mile from my home in order to get a cell signal to make a call. I did not build this because of a weak signal. I built it because I got no signal at all without it.

[Peggy Hand]

How would I increase my wi fi signal with this.  My laptop would be inside an Motor Home on the fringe of wi fi signal in rv park. I use the steering wheel as a table for my laptop.  There is a window by steering wheel.  How close would the dish need to be to the window?  Thanks

[biochemtronics]

The WiFi antenna MUST be at the focus point directly in front of the dish. That is not possible using a laptop with a built in WiFi antenna. Your only option would be to purchase an external USB WiFi  unit and place it in front of the dish. You could then use a USB extension cord to connect the unit to your laptop .

[hms1018]

It really works!

[gunslinger10mm]

Just like green Acres. Mount it on a telephone pole!